If you face drug-related charges in Rhode Island, you may have the opportunity to enter the drug court program, which is an alternative to the traditional court process that happens after an individual is charged with certain drug-related crimes.
Goal of drug court
The primary goal of drug court is to address the underlying issues of substance abuse through a comprehensive therapeutic approach involving therapy, support groups, rehabilitation, education and monitoring.
The courts in Rhode Island intend for these programs to reduce the likelihood that the individual charged will commit the same or more crimes. However, not everyone qualifies for drug court, and there are strict requirements for those who do.
How does drug court work?
An individual must first be eligible for drug court, which typically means they must be a first-time offender, and the nature of the crime they committed must be non-violent, among other requirements.
Once the individual is in the program, professionals conduct a tailored assessment to help the person understand what they need to help them heal and overcome their substance abuse issues.
Within the program, after a treatment plan is developed, the individual receives treatment specifically designed to meet their needs and tailored to their challenges, increasing the likelihood of success in the program.
Of course, the court and professionals within the system supervise the individual closely, ensuring they follow the rules and keep their commitments.
Incentives
Once the individual successfully completes drug court, they may receive legal incentives, such as dropped or reduced charges, which can be enormous help if it means avoiding having a criminal record or having less severe charges.
In other words, drug court is a compassionate approach to the problem of substance abuse reserved for certain individuals who are more likely to succeed in rehabilitation and have limited to no criminal history.